Approval given for life-extending womb cancer drugs

Two drugs which can halt the progression of womb cancer for twice as long as standard chemotherapy have been approved for use on the NHS.

NHS England have said that between 500 and 700 patients are set to benefit from the treatment every year.

The drugs, which were initially rejected by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence on cost-effectiveness grounds, stimulate the body’s immune system and kill off cancer cell growth. They have now been approved following a negotiation between the NHS and the manufacturers

Patients offered the treatment will take two doses of Lenvatinib, marketed under the name Lenvima, once a day and pembrolizumab, sold as Keytruda, given intravenously every three or six weeks.  Standard chemotherapy halts disease progression for three and a half months, but the combination of these drugs can stop cancer spread for seven months.

Women who took the drug also appeared to survive for longer compared to current standard treatment – 19 months compared to 12 months.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS’ national cancer director, said “Most cancers of the womb can be cured if we catch them early, but for the women whose cancers can’t be dealt with in this way it is great news that we now have a more effective treatment that can help them to live longer and better.”

Professor Emma Crosbie of Peaches Womb Cancer Trust, said “Every year, many people are facing a diagnosis of advanced or recurrent womb cancer, and the frightening reality of very few treatment options that can improve their survival and quality of life.

“Those affected by womb cancer deserve more treatment options, but we hope that this is just the first step towards wider availability of more effective treatment options for those affected by this devastating cancer.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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